JANESVILLE—After reading a story about the need at Parker Closet to help disadvantaged students at Parker High School, Riverview Charity Stitchers stitched together 130 items for delivery.

They provided 51 washcloths packed with toiletries, and they gave hats, mittens, scarves and headbands. Parker Closet provides needy students with everything from school supplies to toiletries.

The local high school students are among many recipients of help from Riverview Charity Stitchers.

Co-founder Anne Reed, an experienced and talented knitter, hasn't kept count since she and the late Mary Teft started the group in 1995, but Reed knows more than 2,147 items made by the local group of stitchers have helped those in need just this year, including:

-- Women and children who live at YWCA Rock County's shelter for battered women

The knitters and crocheters, who live at Riverview Heights Apartments or elsewhere in the community, initially made items for children of the Hoh Indian Reservation in Forks, Wash; premature babies; the homeless in Rock County; and the foster care program at Love Inc of Rock County.

But projects for worthy causes have changed to help others in need, Reed said.